On Screen Manitoba and the Manitoba media production industry has taken on a Harassment Prevention and Respectful Workplace initiative. This will include dialogue between IATSE, ACTRA, DGC, Film Training Manitoba, On Screen Manitoba, producers, productions and production companies.

The Harassment Prevention and Respectful Workplace initiative aims to create a respectful workplace where those who are subject to harassment can feel free to report without fear of retribution.

Employers and employees will come together to compile resources, establish and define best practices, and develop a positive culture.

Unions and Guilds in Manitoba address Discrimination and Harassment to varying degrees in their Collective Agreements and Contracts. Harassment Prevention/Respectful Workplace Policies are the responsibility of the employer.

While many production companies and productions in Manitoba have developed policies, there are still some that have not.

A Harassment Prevention and Respectful Workplace Policy is the first step in promoting a positive culture in the workplace

Some notes on an Harassment Prevention Policy

You will need to identify a person or persons that the complainant can report to:
– In a production company this could be the designated HR person, a manager, a designated employee or member of the safety committee if there is one. It is helpful to have more than one designated person.
– On a production, this could be a producer, production manager, AD, crew rep, or other designated employee or member of the Safety Committee, if there is one. It is helpful to have more than one designated person.

Employers must post a copy of the Harassment Prevention Policy in a prominent place in the workplace.
– Keep in mind that on a Production workplaces are not always in enclosed buildings. Your policy could be posted in Production vehicles, in trailers, at Craft Services areas and in lunch rooms, green rooms and background holding areas.

Resources and Links

Part 10 of Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, M.R. 217/2006, requires employers to develop, implement and post a written harassment prevention policy in consultation with the workplace safety and health committee or representative. If there is no committee or representative, the employees at the workplace should be consulted.

Creative Industries Organizations Adopt the Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct to Prevent and Respond to Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying and Violence
In March 2018, Canada’s creative industries, including On Screen Manitoba, adopted a new code of conduct to define appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, reinforce reporting systems and conduct education and training campaigns.

Investors in Canada’s Creative Industries Adopt Common Guiding Principles
In April 2018, Canadian funding organizations in the creative industries, including Manitoba Film & Music, adopted common guiding principles, which will serve as a basis to ensure safe and respectful workplaces for all. See the Canada Media Fund press release.